Interview with Author Erin Sands

BBB: What inspired you to become an author?ES: When I was in fourth grade my elementary teacher told me that I was a great writer. It instilled a confidence in me and inspired me to write more and become better. When I was in high school my eleventh grade teacher recognized my writing talent and took the time to introduce me to different authors who helped to expand my writing style. A good teacher can sow a seed in the heart of a student and help to identify talent and purpose. As an adult writerI am motivated by passion.I am most comfortable writing pieces involving political and social commentary. That is why; The Dunes, in essence has been a divine departure for me. Though it is not the style of writing I usually gravitate too it has been an inspired journey. I have written many things, however, it has been The Dunes that has had the greatest effect on readers, by far.

BBB: How did you come up with the idea for your book, The Dunes?ES: I initially wrote The Dunes because I was journaling. I was going through a very tough time emotionally and I decided to turn what I was feeling into an allegory. I never intended for anyone else to read it. It was purely a creative form of self-therapy for me. After I was done writing it I put it away and did not look at it for years. Then one day I was going through an old box and I found it and read it. That same day, God put it on my heart to expand what I wrote and make it a book. I began to broaden the allegorical aspect of the story along with adding personal testimonies from my own life experiences that correlated with the direction the book was taking. I added a journal section and at the end of each journal section I added a “challenge” for the reader. I have always believed that it is one thing to make a life change in your heart and your mind but it doesn’t become real or a part of your life until you put it into practice; that is what the “challenge” section is all about. When I completed The Dunes, it contained seven chapters that I refer to as “Revelations” because that is what they were for me, revelations about life, joy, freedom and forgiveness. Each revelation begins with an allegory, followed by my personal testimony, then journal questions and finally a challenge for the reader. I had no idea if what I wrote would resonate with readers or have any affect outside of my personal life. I did know, however, that I was willing to put it to the test. I put an ad on Craigslist asking for strangers to read my book, answer the journal questions and do the challenges while I chronicled their journey on film. The results amazed me! I witnessed peoples lives literally transform. That was when I knew I had something special and that I had to get it published.

BBB: Tell us about your main characters.ES: My book, The Dunes, is separated into 7 chapters, which I call “Revelations”. Each of the revelations has three different aspects; an allegory, a commentary and a journal section with a challenge for the reader. The allegorical part of The Dunes, which is located at the beginning of each revelation, features two characters that are aptly named, “The One” and “The Other”. I created the characters based on lessons I was learning about fear, forgiveness, commitment, trust, perseverance, surrender and gratitude. I made the characters learn these lessons while they were in the midst of a cumbersome journey that was calling them to stretch and grow in ways they never imagined. Their journey was indicative of mine. That is why The Dunes is such a personal book for me; in many ways it is an allegory of my own life lessons.

BBB: What are you currently working on?ES: Several years ago I toured in a Christian play entitled S.T.E.M. It was a theatrical ministry vehicle I co-wrote with three of my dearest friends. It was composed of dramatic and comedic monologues where we gave our personal testimonies of how, by grace, we not only survived things like breast cancer, domestic abuse and low self-worth but triumphed through the power of forgiveness and faith. Our testimonies and our witness of God’s faithfulness encouraged women in similar circumstances to persevere, to have hope and expectancy in a God who is able to bring us through. We have recently decided to bring S.T.E.M to the masses in the form of a DVD, with added commentary from our present lives. That is what I am currently working on.BBB: How can readers discover more about you and your work?ES: Check out my website (www.thedunesbook.com) and sign up for my mailing list which will feature my Blogs and upcoming events. Follow me on Social media! I am on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Godinterest and Youtube as: TheDunesBook.

About the Book

Title: THE DUNES, Releasing Your Fears, Restore Your Soul, Renew Your Live Virtual Book Tour Author: Erin SandsGenre: Christian- Mind-Body-Spirit-Self HelpPaperback: 230 pagesPublisher: The Dunes (May 22, 2014)Synopsis: If there was a journey that could masterfully change your life in seven revelations…would you take it?In life, sometimes the kernels of wisdom and the richness of revelation can be found in the most innocent of stories; and so it is with The Dunes. Join one man and one woman in an exquisitely simple yet remarkably profound journey as you discover with them that the mountain you must climb in order to live the abundant life of your dreams is located squarely within your heart.

Illuminated in seven revelations; The Dunes carries the reader on a journey to not only examine the obstacles that are holding them back in life but to conquer and overcome them as well. With each revelation The Dunes intimately calls on the reader as the journey companion to face a challenge…a dare if you will that requires an uncompromising commitment to change. In the family of faith-based self help books The Dunes stands alone, simultaneously taking the reader from fiction to life and back again, equipped with a tailor made journal for the readers inner most secrets and reflections. The Dunes is part allegory, part testimony and part journal but the best part is the healing it offers your heart. When you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and step into the miracle of your life…The Dunes awaits.Caution: Readers of this book are subject to significant changes for the better. Side effects include frequent smiling and enjoying life in every season.

The Dunes Book Video

Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tours

Hi Stacie!
Thank you so much for hosting The Dunes on your site today!
I hope your readers enjoy the The Dunes Book Trailer and the Author Interview. I look forward to interacting with everyone and discussing The Dunes journey.
Much Love!
Erin Sands